Business Resources
Business Recovery & Economic Aid
The Business Recovery Working Group (BRWG), in partnership with KerrEDC, is dedicated to helping all Kerr County businesses transition from disaster impact to a fully functional, operational state. This is your guide to securing the structural, financial, and material assistance required for long-term economic stability.
Supporting Business Needs
Disaster recovery for businesses goes beyond insurance. We coordinate support to meet a variety of business needs.
Repair & Rebuild
Structural repairs, foundation work, and total reconstruction.
Tools & Equipment
Replacing essential machinery, equipment, and inventory lost to the flood.
Infrastructure
Support for critical utility repairs and commercial property infrastructure.
Permitting & Licensing
Assistance navigating local regulations and licensing requirements to reopen quickly.
Financial Assistance
Access information on local fund options: SBA disaster loans, PeopleFund, and LiftFund.
Other Needs
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) provides support for miscellaneous unmet needs that hinder business operations.
Jobs & Unemployment Assistance
Job loss or reduced hours can stall recovery. If you’re out of work or your hours were cut due to the disaster apply for unemployment or review opportunities through the state portal linked below. Connect with the local resources for assistance in finding employment, a new career, training, child care support, and more!
Structural & Financial Recovery Flow
The recovery process for physical damage is handled through three tracks, starting with financial review by Bankers and coordination by Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Case Managers.
Minor Repair
Quick Return to Work
Under 50% structural damage – Quick repairs necessary for immediate reopening and safety compliance.
Major Repair
Complete Structural Restoration
50% or more structural damage – Extensive structural work managed by the GEM Construction Office.
Total Rebuild
Opening Day Ready
100% (Total Loss) Support for reconstruction projects to return businesses to a fully functional state.
Operational Support & Furnishings
Beyond the structure, the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group (KTLRG) assists with getting the business running again.
Get Financial Assistance
Access information on local fund options, as well as the critical SBA disaster loans (Economic Injury and Physical Damage). Get in contact with the Kerr Together Disaster Relief Center to connect with all disaster relief resources.
Equipment & Furnishings
GEM manages in-kind donations to supply necessary equipment and furnishings to aid the return to a fully functional operation.
Support for Other Business Needs
GEM (Kerr County & Comfort) provides support for miscellaneous unmet needs that hinder business operations.
Support for the Arts Community
Artists and arts & culture organizations are small businesses, too. Access micro-grants, venue repair, equipment replacement (instruments, lighting, sound), and exhibit/program restart support. We also list fiscal sponsorship options, merchandising and online sales tools, and volunteer networks for event load-in and studio cleanup.
Next Steps
The first step to accessing financial, structural, or material support is completing the necessary assessment to initiate the case management process.